Yes, Virginia, it is possible to advertise on Usenet without getting
flamed.  Here are the rules to remember:

  o The recipient of the message has paid cash to receive it.
  o Your posting should be of obvious value to the recipient.
  o You should not use hyperbole or exaggerate the value of your product
    or service.
  o Unless it makes your posting particularly huge, you should feel free
    to list any factual information (specifications, etc) about your
    product.
  o Your .signature block should contain a mention of your product's name.
  o Your host name should be as close to your corporate name as possible.
    It helps more to post from mycompany.com than (e.g.) netcom.com.
  o People who post from your domain name should avoid flamage, and
    controversial newsgroups.  If you don't want it to be on the
    front page of InfoWorld, don't post it.  Is this censorship?  No,
    of course not, anyone can get Usenet access from any number of
    sites.
  o You should cultivate, over the long term, the appearance of being
    helpful, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave,
    clean, and reverent.

-- 
-russ <nelson@crynwr.com> What canst *thou* say?
Crynwr Software           Crynwr Software sells packet driver support.
11 Grant St.              315-268-1925 Voice  |  LPF member - ask me about
Potsdam, NY 13676         315-268-9201 FAX    |  the harm software patents do.